U.S. patent application number 09/940090 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for occupant protection device with a steering wheel airbag for a motor vehicle.
Invention is credited to Sinnhuber, Ruprecht, Wohllebe, Thomas.
Application Number | 20020020993 09/940090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7898823 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sinnhuber, Ruprecht ; et
al. |
February 21, 2002 |
Occupant protection device with a steering wheel airbag for a motor
vehicle
Abstract
An occupant protection device for a motor vehicle includes an
airbag configuration disposed in a hub of a steering wheel. A cover
formed of two airbag flaps covers an airbag outlet opening. At
least two connecting straps and/or pivoting levers hold each of the
two airbag flaps when the steering wheel airbag deploys. At least
one of the two airbag flaps radially pivots into a release position
when the steering wheel airbag deploys and guides the steering
wheel airbag into a given deployment direction.
Inventors: |
Sinnhuber, Ruprecht;
(Gifhorn, DE) ; Wohllebe, Thomas; (Braunschweig,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER AND GREENBERG, P.A.
PATENT ATTORNEYS AND ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Post Office Box 2480
Hollywood
FL
33022-2480
US
|
Family ID: |
7898823 |
Appl. No.: |
09/940090 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09940090 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
|
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PCT/EP00/00500 |
Jan 24, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/731 ;
280/736 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/2155 20130101;
B60R 21/21656 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/731 ;
280/736 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 25, 1999 |
DE |
199 08 135.2 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, comprising:
an airbag configuration including at least one steering wheel
airbag and at least one gas generator assigned to said at least one
steering wheel airbag, said at least one steering wheel airbag
being folded up when in a normal state and unfolding when in a
deploying state, said airbag configuration defining a steering
wheel hub region and a hub axis and being formed with an airbag
outlet opening in the steering wheel hub region, said airbag outlet
opening having a peripheral region; a cover including two airbag
flaps for covering said airbag outlet opening, said two airbag
flaps being substantially rigid and being held in place when in a
covering position, said two airbag flaps being movable from the
covering position to a release position for uncovering said airbag
outlet opening and for letting out said at least one steering wheel
airbag; at least two links assigned to each one of said two airbag
flaps, said at least two links being selected from the group
consisting of connecting straps and pivoting levers, said at least
two links having respective flap-side fastening locations and
respective hub-side fastening locations, said flap-side fastening
locations being disposed at a respective one of said two airbag
flaps, said hub-side fastening locations being disposed at said
peripheral region of said airbag outlet opening, a first one of
said flap-side fastening locations being closer to the hub axis
than a further one of said flap-side fastening locations; and at
least one of said two airbag flaps being a radially pivotable
airbag flap, said at least two links for said radially pivotable
airbag flap having respective structural properties selected from
the group consisting of respective link lengths, respective
hub-side fastening locations and respective flap-side fastening
locations configured such that said radially pivotable airbag flap
is substantially radially pivotable from the covering position to
the release position and such that said radially pivotable airbag
flap guides said at least one steering wheel airbag into a given
deployment direction.
2. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein:
one of said two airbag flaps is said radially pivotable airbag
flap, a further one of said two airbag flaps is a linearly
displaceable airbag flap; and said at least two links for said
linearly displaceable airbag flap have structural properties
selected from the group consisting of respective link lengths,
respective hub-side fastening locations and respective flap-side
fastening locations configured such that said linearly displaceable
airbag flap is substantially linearly displaceable from the
covering position to the release position and such that said
linearly displaceable airbag flap is disposed in a plane
substantially perpendicular to the hub axis and guides said at
least one steering wheel airbag into a given deployment
direction.
3. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein
both of said two airbag flaps are radially pivotable airbag flaps
having substantially identical kinematic properties and being
substantially radially pivotable from the covering position to the
release position.
4. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein
each of said flap-side fastening locations of said at least two
links is disposed closer to the hub axis than a corresponding one
of said hub-side fastening locations of said at least two
links.
5. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein at
least one of said two airbag flaps is held in place with a securing
structure selected from the group consisting of a form-locking
structure, a clamping structure and a preformed notch configured to
be torn open when said at least one steering wheel airbag
unfolds.
6. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, including a
resilient structure operatively connected to at least one of said
two airbag flaps, said resilient structure providing a spring force
for assisting said at least one steering wheel airbag to move said
at least one of said two airbag flaps from the covering position to
the release position.
7. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein:
said cover is a circular cover formed with a preformed notch
configured to be torn open when said at least one steering wheel
airbag unfolds, said preformed notch extending along a diameter
line across said circular cover; and said two airbag flaps are two
semicircular airbag flaps connected via said preformed notch when
in the covering position.
8. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein
said at least two links include at least three connecting straps
for securing a respective one of said two airbag flaps in the
release position.
9. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein
said airbag configuration is an airbag module.
10. The occupant protection device according to claim 9, wherein:
said airbag module has a given peripheral region as the peripheral
region of said airbag outlet opening; and said hub-side fastening
locations of said at least two links are located in said given
peripheral region of said airbag module.
11. In combination with a steering wheel having a hub region, an
occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, comprising: an
airbag configuration including a steering wheel airbag and a gas
generator assigned to said steering wheel airbag, said steering
wheel airbag being folded up when in a normal state and unfolding
when in a deploying state, said airbag configuration being formed
with an airbag outlet opening in the hub region, said airbag outlet
opening having a peripheral region; a cover including two airbag
flaps for covering said airbag outlet opening, said two airbag
flaps being substantially rigid and being held in place when in a
covering position, said two airbag flaps being movable from the
covering position to a release position for uncovering said airbag
outlet opening and for letting out said steering wheel airbag; at
least two links assigned to each one of said two airbag flaps, said
at least two links being selected from the group consisting of
connecting straps and pivoting levers, said at least two links
having respective flap-side fastening locations and respective
hub-side fastening locations, said flap-side fastening locations
being disposed at a respective one of said two airbag flaps, said
hub-side fastening locations being disposed at said peripheral
region of said airbag outlet opening, the hub region defining a hub
axis, a first one of said flap-side fastening locations being
closer to the hub axis than a further one of said flap-side
fastening locations; and at least one of said two airbag flaps
being a radially pivotable airbag flap, said at least two links for
said radially pivotable airbag flap having respective structural
properties selected from the group consisting of respective link
lengths, respective hub-side fastening locations and respective
flap-side fastening locations configured such that said radially
pivotable airbag flap is substantially radially pivotable from the
covering position to the release position and such that said
radially pivotable airbag flap guides said steering wheel airbag
into a given deployment direction.
12. The occupant protection device according to claim 11, wherein
at least one of said two airbag flaps is held in place with a
securing structure selected from the group consisting of a
form-locking structure, a clamping structure and a preformed notch
configured to be torn open when said steering wheel airbag
unfolds.
13. The occupant protection device according to claim 11, wherein:
said cover is a circular cover formed with a preformed notch
configured to be torn open when said at least one steering wheel
airbag unfolds, said preformed notch extending along a diameter
line across said circular cover; and said two airbag flaps are two
semicircular airbag flaps connected via said preformed notch when
in the covering position.
14. The occupant protection device according to claim 13, wherein
the steering wheel has a centered position when not being turned,
and said preformed notch extends vertically across said circular
cover when the steering wheel is in the centered position.
15. The occupant protection device according to claim 13, wherein
the steering wheel has a centered position when not being turned,
and said preformed notch extends horizontally across said circular
cover when the steering wheel is in the centered position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of copending
International Application No. PCT/EP00/00500, filed Jan. 24, 2000,
which designated the United States.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an occupant protection device
having a steering wheel airbag for a motor vehicle.
[0004] An occupant protection device having a steering wheel airbag
for a motor vehicle generally includes an airbag module. The airbag
module has at least one gas generator and at least one steering
wheel airbag connected thereto. The airbag module is accommodated
in a steering wheel hub of the steering wheel. An airbag outlet
opening for the deploying airbag is provided in the hub region of
the steering wheel and, in the event of a crash, the airbag at
least partially emerges through this outlet opening and can be
inflated in front of the steering wheel. In addition, a cover is
provided which, in a closed position, i.e. covering position, when
the airbag is not activated, is positioned in the hub region such
that it covers the airbag outlet opening and such that it is
secured in place. More specifically, the cover is configured as an
airbag flap. An edge of the airbag flap is hingedly connected at
the outlet opening and, in the event of a crash, can be moved by
the inflating airbag into a release position in order to release
the airbag outlet opening.
[0005] Despite the fact that the airbag flap, when in the release
position, remains connected to the hub region of the steering wheel
and therefore cannot be hurled in an uncontrolled manner into the
vehicle interior when the airbag is activated, there is
nevertheless the possibility that the airbag flap, when moving to
the release position or when protruding toward the driver, may
interfere with the driver and exhibit a so-called "aggressiveness."
This aggressive behavior of the airbag flap may in particular be a
problem if the driver is sitting too close to the steering wheel.
The aggressive behavior of the airbag flap may also be a problem
when, during a crash impact, the volume of the airbag is reduced
and the driver comes into contact with the protruding airbag
flap.
[0006] Furthermore, conventional occupant protection devices are
configured such that the steering wheel airbag, when being filled
and unfolded, deploys in a direction toward the driver without
being guided in any way. As a result, the airbag exhibits a level
of aggressiveness that, in particular when the airbag is inflated
rapidly, may harm the driver.
[0007] Published, Non-Prosecuted German Patent Application No. DE
42 17 177 A1, discloses an occupant protection device of the type
described above. The occupant protection device includes an airbag
configuration with at least one steering wheel airbag, which is
folded up in the normal state, and at least one associated gas
generator. Furthermore, an airbag outlet opening is provided for
the deploying airbag. The outlet opening is covered with a cover
which is formed of two relatively rigid airbag flaps. The airbag
flaps can be moved from a covering position, in which the airbag
flaps are secured by a holding device, into a release position for
releasing the airbag outlet opening to let out the airbag. The two
airbag flaps are each connected to the edge region of the airbag
outlet opening by two spaced apart pivoting levers in such a manner
that, in the release position, the airbag flaps clear the airbag
outlet opening.
[0008] The positioning and the length of the pivoting levers
connected to the airbag flaps are identical for both airbag flaps.
This results in identical kinematic properties for both airbag
flaps so that, during the opening movement, both airbag flaps
perform an essentially translatory movement close to the plane
defined by the opening of the housing. In the release position, the
airbag flaps are shifted completely away from the airbag outlet
opening, with the result that they cannot come into contact with
the deploying and inflating airbag. A structure of this type is
used with the intention of avoiding that the opened airbag flaps
point with a free edge in the direction of the vehicle occupant. A
radial pivoting of the airbag flaps is neither performed nor
desired. In addition, the airbag is inflated without any device for
guiding the airbag.
[0009] Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,682 discloses an occupant
protection device having a steering wheel airbag for a motor
vehicle. When the occupant protection device is activated, a cover,
which caps an airbag outlet opening, is raised completely from the
hub region. The cover is then held back by two straps of identical
length and the airbag is inflated around the raised cover which is
held at a given distance from the hub.
[0010] Furthermore, German Utility Model No. DE 297 10 745 U1,
Published, Non-Prosecuted German Patent Application No. DE 195 30
346 A1, European Patent Application No. EP 0 415 362 A2 and Patent
Abstracts of Japan for Japanese Patent Application No. JP 05338513
A each disclose structures having flaps or covers which are
retained via conventional catch straps. A disadvantage of these
structures is, as can be seen for example in European Patent
Application No. EP 0 415 362 A2, the fact that the catch straps are
connected at the edge of each airbag flap and are in each case at
the same distance from the border region of the two airbag flaps,
with the result that the airbag flaps pivot over their full length
into the interior of the vehicle. As a result there is the risk of
harm being caused to the vehicle occupants. Here too, the airbag is
deployed and filled without any kind of guiding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an
occupant protection device which overcomes the above-mentioned
disadvantages of the heretofore-known occupant protection devices
of this general type and with which an airbag deployment from a hub
region can be performed such that the airbag can be guided in a
simple manner and such that the risk of harming a driver with the
opening airbag flaps is reduced.
[0012] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, an occupant protection
device for a motor vehicle, including:
[0013] an airbag configuration including at least one steering
wheel airbag and at least one gas generator assigned to the at
least one steering wheel airbag, the at least one steering wheel
airbag being folded up when in a normal state and unfolding when in
a deploying state, the airbag configuration defining a steering
wheel hub region and a hub axis and being formed with an airbag
outlet opening in the steering wheel hub region, the airbag outlet
opening having a peripheral region;
[0014] a cover including two airbag flaps for covering the airbag
outlet opening, the two airbag flaps being substantially rigid and
being held in place when in a covering position, the two airbag
flaps being movable from the covering position to a release
position for uncovering the airbag outlet opening and for letting
out the at least one steering wheel airbag;
[0015] at least two links assigned to each one of the two airbag
flaps, the at least two links being selected from the group
consisting of connecting straps and pivoting levers, the at least
two links having respective flap-side fastening locations and
respective hub-side fastening locations, the flap-side fastening
locations being disposed at a respective one of the two airbag
flaps, the hub-side fastening locations being disposed at the
peripheral region of the airbag outlet opening, a first one of the
flap-side fastening locations being closer to the hub axis than a
further one of the flap-side fastening locations; and
[0016] at least one of the two airbag flaps being a radially
pivotable airbag flap, the at least two links for the radially
pivotable airbag flap having respective structural properties
selected from the group consisting of respective link lengths,
respective hub-side fastening locations and respective flapside
fastening locations configured such that the radially pivotable
airbag flap is substantially radially pivotable from the covering
position to the release position and such that the radially
pivotable airbag flap guides the at least one steering wheel airbag
into a given deployment direction.
[0017] In other words, according to the invention, an occupant
protection device having a steering wheel airbag for a motor
vehicle includes an airbag configuration which has at least one
steering wheel airbag, which is folded up in the normal state, and
which has at least one associated gas generator. An airbag outlet
opening for the deploying airbag is formed in the hub region of the
steering wheel. Furthermore, a cover for the airbag outlet opening
is provided, the cover being formed of two relatively firm or rigid
airbag flaps which can be moved from a covering position, which is
secured for example by a retaining device, into a release position
for releasing the airbag outlet opening to let the airbag out.
Furthermore, at least two connecting straps and/or pivoting levers
assigned to each airbag flap are provided and are connected on one
side in respective hub-side fastening locations on the edge region
or peripheral region of the airbag outlet opening and on the other
side in respective flap-side fastening locations on the assigned
airbag flap, in which case on each airbag flap a first, flap-side
fastening location lies closer to the hub axis than at least one
further flap-side fastening location. The positioning and/or the
length of the connecting straps and/or pivoting levers on at least
one of the airbag flaps is selected to differ in such a manner that
this at least one airbag flap can be pivoted approximately radially
during the transfer into the release position and, in the release
position, can be aligned or oriented in such a manner that it
serves as a guide for a specific outlet direction of the
airbag.
[0018] A targeted airbag deployment with a specific airbag
orientation, in particular toward the driver's chest, is
advantageously possible with a structure of the above-described
type, in which at least one airbag flap which can be pivoted
approximately radially in the release position can be aligned or
oriented in such a manner that the airbag flap can serve as a guide
by, for example, partially protruding into the deployment region of
the airbag. In this case, due to the airbag flap being fastened
with at least two connecting straps and/or pivoting levers, it is
ensured that the airbag flap can be readily held in its radially
pivoted position so as to provide a secure guidance for the airbag
during inflation, since the airbag flap cannot swing away in an
undefined manner. By guiding the airbag during its deployment in a
targeted manner, the protection function of the airbag as a whole
can be increased and its aggressiveness toward the driver can be
reduced. In this case, due to the fastening location or connecting
point which lies closer to the hub axis, in conjunction with the at
least one further fastening location, an additional, advantageous
effect is achieved in that the airbag flaps are not pivoted over
their entire length into the interior of the vehicle, as was the
case with the airbag flap that is connected merely at an edge
thereof. Rather, the release movement takes place relatively close
to the region of the airbag outlet opening, with the result that
the radially pivoted flap is disposed, just like before the
pivoting, in the steering wheel region. Although edges of the
radially pivoted airbag flaps protrude in the direction of the
vehicle interior, there is no risk of the driver coming to harm as
a result of the (only slightly) protruding edges of the airbag
flaps, due to the fastening and opening of the airbag flaps
according to the invention in the region close to the outlet
opening.
[0019] According to another feature of the invention, one of the
two airbag flaps is the radially pivotable airbag flap, a further
one of the two airbag flaps is a linearly displaceable airbag flap,
and the at least two links for the linearly displaceable airbag
flap have respective link lengths and/or respective hub-side
fastening locations and/or respective flap-side fastening locations
configured such that the linearly displaceable airbag flap is
substantially linearly displaceable from the covering position to
the release position and such that the linearly displaceable airbag
flap is disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the hub
axis and guides the at least one steering wheel airbag into a given
deployment direction.
[0020] According to yet another feature of the invention, both of
the two airbag flaps are radially pivotable airbag flaps having
substantially identical kinematic properties and being
substantially radially pivotable from the covering position to the
release position.
[0021] The connecting straps can be produced, for example, from
various tear-resistant materials, in particular from plastic or
from metal wire. The pivoting levers can be produced, for example,
from plastic or metal.
[0022] In addition, the connecting straps can advantageously also
be used as catching straps or tethers, which prevent the at least
one airbag flap from being hurled in an uncontrolled manner into
the passenger compartment.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention having
particularly preferred kinematical properties during the opening,
the fastening locations of the connecting straps on the airbag flap
are disposed closer to the hub axis than the fastening locations on
the airbag outlet opening. This forces, when the airbag deploys,
the airbag flap to open in a particularly advantageous manner such
that the opening airbag flap is provided substantially radially in
the hub transverse plane and pushes outward. The opening of the
airbag flap can optionally be combined with a swing-open movement,
if the connecting straps are appropriately configured.
[0024] In order to achieve a rapid opening of the airbag flap with
the desired kinematical properties, the opening process initiated
by the airbag can additionally also be assisted by a spring force,
which may be generated by a resilient structure. For this purpose,
corresponding springs can be provided.
[0025] Expediently, when the airbag is not activated, the airbag
flaps are secured in their covering position through the use of a
preformed notch which can be torn open by the deployment of the
airbag and/or through the use of a form-fitting and/or clamping
structure as a securing structure. In a specific, preferred
embodiment, two semicircular airbag flaps are provided which are
connected in the covering position at a preformed, grooved
tear-open notch to form a circular cover for the hub region. The
tear-open notch extends along a diameter line of the circular
cover. A configuration of this type, which includes two
semicircular airbag flaps, results in favorable opening kinematics
with a reduced aggressiveness and the possibility of guiding the
airbag deployment in a suitable manner.
[0026] It may be expedient, depending on the individual
circumstances of the vehicle, to provide a tear-open notch of this
type vertically or horizontally when the steering wheel is in a
centered position, i.e. the steering wheel is not turned.
[0027] Depending on given requirements and depending on desired
airbag flap kinematics, three or more connecting straps may be used
in each case for one airbag flap.
[0028] In an advantageously compact configuration, an airbag and a
gas generator are combined in an airbag module which is fitted in
the hub region of the steering wheel. In the case of a
configuration of this type, the connecting straps can
advantageously also be connected directly to the edge region of the
airbag module.
[0029] With the objects of the invention in view there is also
provided, in combination with a steering wheel having a hub region,
an occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, including:
[0030] an airbag configuration including a steering wheel airbag
and a gas generator assigned to the steering wheel airbag, the
steering wheel airbag being folded up when in a normal state and
unfolding when in a deploying state, the airbag configuration being
formed with an airbag outlet opening in the hub region, the airbag
outlet opening having a peripheral region;
[0031] a cover including two airbag flaps for covering the airbag
outlet opening, the two airbag flaps being substantially rigid and
being held in place when in a covering position, the two airbag
flaps being movable from the covering position to a release
position for uncovering the airbag outlet opening and for letting
out the steering wheel airbag;
[0032] at least two links assigned to each one of the two airbag
flaps, the at least two links being connecting straps and/or
pivoting levers, the at least two links having respective flap-side
fastening locations and respective hub-side fastening locations,
the flap-side fastening locations being disposed at a respective
one of the two airbag flaps, the hub-side fastening locations being
disposed at the peripheral region of the airbag outlet opening, the
hub region defining a hub axis, a first one of the flap-side
fastening locations being closer to the hub axis than a further one
of the flap-side fastening locations; and
[0033] at least one of the two airbag flaps being a radially
pivotable airbag flap, the at least two links for the radially
pivotable airbag flap having respective link lengths, respective
hub-side fastening locations and/or respective flap-side fastening
locations that are configured such that the radially pivotable
airbag flap is substantially radially pivotable from the covering
position to the release position and such that the radially
pivotable airbag flap guides the steering wheel airbag into a given
deployment direction.
[0034] Other features which are considered as characteristic for
the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
[0035] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in an occupant protection device having a steering
wheel airbag for a motor vehicle, it is nevertheless not intended
to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and
structural changes may be made therein without departing from the
spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of
equivalents of the claims.
[0036] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of an
occupant protection device according to the invention on a steering
wheel, the occupant protection device having a steering wheel
airbag for a motor vehicle and having airbag flaps held by
connecting straps;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of an
occupant protection device according to the invention on a steering
wheel, the airbag having a specific outlet direction determined by
the airbag flaps;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of a steering wheel in a
centered steering wheel position with a vertically extending
tear-open notch; and
[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of a steering wheel in a
centered steering wheel position with a horizontally extending
tear-open notch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and
first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a
schematically illustrated cross section through a steering wheel 1
of a motor vehicle having an occupant protection device integrated
therein. The steering wheel 1 is assembled from a steering wheel
rim 2 and a steering wheel hub 3 provided centrally in the steering
wheel rim 2. The steering wheel rim and the hub are connected to
each other via steering wheel spokes 4.
[0042] An airbag module includes a steering wheel airbag 27, which
is folded up in a normal state as is schematically indicated with a
dashed line in FIG. 1, and an associated gas generator 28, which is
provided in the hub region of the steering wheel 1. Furthermore, an
airbag outlet opening 5 for the airbag deploying in the event of a
crash is formed in the hub region of the steering wheel 1. In the
normal state, when the airbag is not activated, this airbag outlet
opening 5 is closed with a cover 6.
[0043] As can be seen from FIG. 3, which shows a plan view of the
steering wheel according to FIG. 1, the cover 6 is formed by two
semicircular airbag flaps 7, 8 which are connected, when in the
covering position illustrated in FIG. 3, at a preformed, grooved
tear-open notch 10 to form a circular cover for the hub region. The
preformed notch 10 acts as a securing structure 10 which holds the
airbag flaps in place. The securing structure can not only be a
preformed notch, but may be a form-fitting structure and/or a
clamping structure.
[0044] As can furthermore be seen from FIG. 3, the tear-open notch
or groove 10 runs along a diameter line of the circular cover 6,
wherein the tear-open notch 10 extends vertically when the steering
wheel is in a centered (normal) position, i.e. the steering wheel
is not turned. In an alternative embodiment, the tear-open notch
can be disposed horizontally when the steering wheel is in a
centered position, i.e. the steering wheel is not turned, as is
shown in FIG. 4.
[0045] As can furthermore be seen in FIG. 1, the first,
semicircular airbag flap 7 is connected to the peripheral region of
the airbag outlet opening 5 by two connecting straps 11, 12 which
are spaced apart from one another and which have different lengths.
In the covering position 9, which is illustrated in FIG. 1, the
fastening locations 16, 17 of the connecting straps 11, 12 on the
airbag flap 7 are positioned closer to the hub axis 15 than the
fastening locations 13, 14 on the airbag outlet opening 5.
[0046] It can also be gathered from FIG. 1 that the airbag flap 8
is connected to the edge region of the airbag outlet opening 5 by
two connecting straps 18, 19 which are spaced apart from one
another and which have identical lengths. The fastening locations
20, 21 of the connecting straps 18, 19 on the airbag flap 8 are
closer to the hub axis 15 than the fastening locations 22, 23 on
the airbag outlet opening 5 and form a parallelogram-type
configuration with the connecting straps 18, 19.
[0047] In the event of a crash, the deploying airbag 27 exerts a
pressure on the cover 6, as a result of which the latter tears open
along its tear-open notch 10 and the airbag flaps 7, 8 are
transferred into their release position 24, which is shown by
dashed lines in FIG. 1.
[0048] The effect achieved by the positioning and dimensioning of
the connecting straps 11, 12 and 18, 19 of the airbag flaps 7, 8,
respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is that the airbag flap 7
is pivoted approximately radially during the transfer into the
release position 24, as is illustrated by the arrow 25. In
contrast, the airbag flap 8 is displaced essentially linearly
during the transfer into the release position 24, as is illustrated
by the arrow 26 in FIG. 1.
[0049] In the release position 24 of the airbag flaps 7, 8, in
which the connecting straps 11, 12 and 18, 19 are tensioned by the
inflating airbag 27, a guidance of the deploying airbag 27 with a
targeted outlet direction toward the driver's chest is obtained, as
is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. In order to achieve a rapid
opening of the airbag flap, the opening process, which is initiated
by the airbag 27, can be assisted by a spring force that is
provided by a resilient structure, for example a spring 32, which
is schematically indicated as a dash-dotted line in FIG. 1.
* * * * *